Flanagan Hopes to Continue at Liverpool Despite Expected Signings

Jon Flanagan is positive about getting plenty of chances to be in Liverpool's starting 11Reuters

Liverpool defender Jon Flanagan is confident on "establishing his place in Brendan Rodgers' starting line-up" next season, even though the manager is still expecting to bolster both defensive flanks.

Flanagan took advantage of Jose Enrique's injury and Glen Johnson's absences during last season to gain a place in Rodgers starting 11, proving to be a consistent back-up for both players, either on the right or on the left side.

However, his place in the line-up now looks uncertain as Jose Enrique is ready to return to action, while Rodgers still expects to bolster his defence.

The Reds have indeed been linked with a number of left-backs this summer ‒ including Sevilla star Alberto Moreno and Swansea's Ben Davies ‒ while recent reports in Spain claimed they are also close to securing the services of right-back Javier Manquillo from Atletico Madrid.

However, Flanagan is not afraid of the expected competition and claims he still hopes to maintain a regular place in Rodgers' XI.

"Personally I'm hoping to come out of pre-season injury-free and try to establish my place in the starting line-up again for the new season," he said to Liverpool official website.

"The past 12 months have been unbelievable and couldn't have gone much better, but that's gone and now we're just concentrating on this season, which starts now."

Furthermore, Flanagan reminds fans that Rodgers has always proved his trust in the academy players and expects him to do the same next season no matter who arrives to Anfield.

"The manager has shown that he'll give young lads a chance, and for the younger players in the group to see what the likes of Raheem (Sterling), Andre (Wisdom), Jordan (Ibe) and myself have done proves they'll get a chance.

"We had a great season last year, it was a disappointing in the end that we didn't quite get there, but it's gone now and we're concentrating on this year."